Weight-Loss Cereal addiction?

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Caterpillar1

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I often find it hard to limit myself to one bowl of cereal and sometimes I end up eating far too much in one sitting. I don't really get why I eat it so compulsively! It tastes good but not particularly more than anything else... I guess you don't have to cook it or anything but I don't think thats enough... I'm not sure how to deal with it. I've tried not buying it... I've tried distracting myself after eating one bowl. Sometimes I manage just fine but not always. It just seems like quite a random thing to have a problem with... does anyone else have a problem with cereal? Any ideas on how I can control my compulsion to eat it?
 
When you get it home - make individual serving sizes with sandwich baggies
 
I sort of tried that! I bought porridge oats which came in serving sized sachets... but I just ate more than one sachet... :s
 
I use to mad addicted to cocoa puffs and cinnamon toast crunch I hate milk so i would always eat it just by itself, but I found something better I think, it is called a control bar, it is more of a nutrition bar and it is very good and it also curves your appetite. See it here for more info and if interested.

go to the bariatric advantage website and click on control bars
 
Lol well if you've tried everything to stop and nothing works I guess it's up to willpower. I don't see how this is difficult, just don't eat a second serving...Looks like your asking other people to solve the problem for you, but you have to help yourself.
 
Poisonhearts said:
Lol well if you've tried everything to stop and nothing works I guess it's up to willpower. I don't see how this is difficult, just don't eat a second serving...Looks like your asking other people to solve the problem for you, but you have to help yourself.
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I think that's a bit unkind. I have tried to solve the problem for myself, I have mentioned some things I have done. I just asked if anyone had any ideas -what is this site for after all? I was also looking to see if anyone else had had a similar problem... its something I'm sensitive about. I'd have thought most people on a weight loss site would be more sympathetic... if you've had to lose weight surely you've gained at some point yourself.
 
Stuff that's easy to make, like cereal, can be really addictive, no matter how strong your willpower is. Have you thought about switching to oatmeal instead? Having to actually boil the water and wait a couple minutes might be a deterrent to overeating. "Convenience" foods are best for when you'll be away from the actual box, otherwise it can easily lead to mindless snacking.
 
Can you make cereal your reward after exercise? Can you increase your exercise before you eat it so it's not too bad if you have a second helping?

Otherwise if you aren't able to control your helpings I would not have it in the house and switch to something else. Just have it as a treat every now and then.
 
Caterpillar said:
I think that's a bit unkind. I have tried to solve the problem for myself, I have mentioned some things I have done. I just asked if anyone had any ideas -what is this site for after all? I was also looking to see if anyone else had had a similar problem... its something I'm sensitive about. I'd have thought most people on a weight loss site would be more sympathetic... if you've had to lose weight surely you've gained at some point yourself.
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Life is unkind, get use to it. But I really didn't mean to come off that way, so sorry if I did. I'll just leave this alone now.
 
Only way I've found is to not bring it home...

I've gone through compulsive cereal eating bouts before. Only way I could stop it was to cease bringing home the cereal that I'd go crazy on.

The ones I'm the worst on... Lucky Charms, Cap'n Crunch, Corn Pops... yeah, all laden with sugar. Not good for losing weight either. I don't buy them anymore.

I now buy the Kashi Go Lean Crunch, and I seem to be able to keep it to just one bowl when I have some.
 
I'm addicted to Grape Nuts cereal with a little bit of sugar. Also Fruity Pebbles, but I stopped buying those. Like you, I have a hard time just eating 1 bowl, so I figured Grape Nuts would be a healthy alternative when I eat more than one bowl.

I also found that Grape Nuts don't get soft as fast as most cereal, and sometimes I just get tired of chewing before I'm done with the first bowl, and it stops me from eating a 2nd. I'm not sure if that will help, because its a taste you have to develop. Also, try using Non Fat Milk if you don't already, it eliminates some of the guilt for me.
 
I love cereal. It's my healthy go to snack. I'll usually go with something that is high protein and high fiber, so that even when I have the extra bowl I'm at least getting good nutrition along with it. Also, skim milk makes a big difference. Going with any fat in the milk and you aren't helping the cause. GoLean is my go to cereal. Protein (13g), fiber (10g) and fat (1g) for 3/4 of a cup. I'll usually go for a double serving, along with 8 oz of skim makes a big breakfast (or late night snack) that is 370 cal, protein (34g), fiber (20g) and fat (2g).
 
THIS, so much! Cereal is WRECKING my weight loss plans. I can eat well all day and have a good dinner in the evening. But it seems late in the evening, when I have no more meals to look forward to the cravings take over and I can down two, three (sometimes more) full bowls without thought. It's so frustrating!

If I could overcome my all-too-frequent late night cereal binges.....well, my weight would stop yo-yo'ing up and down! :(
 
thaphantum said:
I'm addicted to Grape Nuts cereal with a little bit of sugar. Also Fruity Pebbles, but I stopped buying those. Like you, I have a hard time just eating 1 bowl, so I figured Grape Nuts would be a healthy alternative when I eat more than one bowl.

I also found that Grape Nuts don't get soft as fast as most cereal, and sometimes I just get tired of chewing before I'm done with the first bowl, and it stops me from eating a 2nd. I'm not sure if that will help, because its a taste you have to develop. Also, try using Non Fat Milk if you don't already, it eliminates some of the guilt for me.
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milk on cereal is absolutely disgusting... it's gotta be dry..

grape nuts however, are he exception -those are quite tasty in yogurt -gives yogurt some extra body to it...
 
Though cereal is personally not a problem for me, on a different forum I regular there are tons of people who admitted to having difficulties stopping at one bowl with it.

My recommendation, though it may sound funny, is to get a very high fiber cereal. The fiber will help one feel more full at just one bowl, and if you do go on to a second or a third bowl.. Well, you'll regret it, which would hopefully prevent you from doing it again. (Gotta love that fiber ;) )
 
Do not make cereal a reward as one person suggested. If anything that will make it even more of something to be desired.

Is this an anytime kind of thing? Is it a breakfast thing? Late night snacking?

If its your breakfast, and all you eat is one bowl of cereal. You are probably just still hungry. I always have 2 servings. Sometimes with a banana. Its just so few calories it doesn't hurt. I go light on the milk though.
 
Cereal is weight loss poison for me...lots of calories and very little soluble fiber for the amount of calories you're taking in. I threw out all my breakfast cereals that were expired, donated the unopened, unexpired ones to food banks, and have not bought any more. It tastes good, but I don't miss it.
 
jeffisbig said:
Do not make cereal a reward as one person suggested. If anything that will make it even more of something to be desired.

Is this an anytime kind of thing? Is it a breakfast thing? Late night snacking?

If its your breakfast, and all you eat is one bowl of cereal. You are probably just still hungry. I always have 2 servings. Sometimes with a banana. Its just so few calories it doesn't hurt. I go light on the milk though.
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That was me that suggested. If you like a food bad enough, what would be wrong with having it as a reward? Make yourself work hard for your treats if you can't control yourself.

I use this for things like cashews, macadamias, an extra helping of guacamole. I work hard and buy those things at the end of the week for a treat, only if I accomplished my goals. Helps me to appreciate those special things.

Thought it might work for others.
 
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